Spooky Halloween Cookies Recipe - Handle the Heat
Filed Under: Cookies | Fall | Halloween

Halloween Cookies

  |  
October 6th, 2022
4.93 from 200 votes
4.93 from 200 votes

Fun, delicious, and easy to make, these Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies will be a hit with any crowd! You just need one bowl and about 30 minutes to enjoy these chocolaty cookies. Adored by kids and adults - you need to bring these to any Halloween parties this spooky season!

Yield: 11 to 13 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook: 12 minutes

Tessa's Recipe Rundown...

Taste: Mild chocolate flavor to let those mix-ins really shine.
Texture: The cookie is ultra soft and chewy with blissful crunches from the Halloween M&Ms and googly candy eyes.
Ease: SO easy to make.
Pros: The cutest (yet easiest!) Halloween cookie recipe.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Yes, these are the perfect Halloween dessert.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Festive and easy, these Halloween Cookies are an absolute must-make for your friends and family for a spooky movie night at home or for the Halloween block party!

No tricks here, just a delicious treat! These cookies are filled with orange, purple, white, and green M&Ms (the seasonal “Ghoul Mix” M&M bags) for the most adorable Halloween cookies. We even added edible googly eyes to some of the cookies to create perfect monster cookies! How cute are they?!

They’re so easy to make, too. No crazy decorating with royal icing required! Plus, these are so fun to get the kids involved with baking up a spooky treat together.

If you make these for your Halloween party, you might want to make a double batch. They go fast! 😉

These are one of my favorite Halloween treats to make each year, and I hope you love this recipe as much as I do (and the guests who have enjoyed them off my dessert table too!).

How to Make Halloween Cookies

Ingredients for Easy Halloween Cookies:

  • All-purpose flour – measured correctly! If you add too much flour, you may end up with tough cookies that don’t spread, or cookies that taste bland!
  • Black Cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa powder – Black cocoa can be ordered online and will provide that festive deep dark color. It also makes the cookies taste more like Oreos! If you can’t find Black cocoa, feel free to use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead. Learn more about Dutch-process cocoa here.
  • Baking soda & baking powder – check out my Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder article to learn about the surprising differences between these two leaveners!
  • Cornstarch – to keep the consistency of these cookies soft and tender.
  • Salt – enhances the flavor.
  • Granulated sugar and light brown sugar – for sweetness, moisture, and flavor.
  • Butter – always use unsalted butter in baking, at a cool room temperature (around 67°F is perfect).
  • 1 egg – at room temperature.
  • Vanilla extract – for flavor.
  • White chocolate chips & Halloween-themed M&Ms – for flavor, and to bring a super fun Halloween-y flair to our cookies!
  • Candy googly eyes for so much additional fun!!

What type of Cocoa Powder to use for Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies?

I recommend using Black Cocoa for the best visual effect and for a tasty flavor (think Oreos – not super rich in chocolaty flavor, but a distinct flavor nonetheless). It can be difficult to source in stores but can be purchased easily online. Alternatively, you can also use Dutch-process cocoa. My favorite brands of Dutch-process cocoa powder are E. Guittard, Penzeys, Bensdorp, or Valrhona. Regardless of cocoa type, be sure to sift it to avoid clumps of cocoa in your cookies!

How to Make Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies:

  1. Cream the butter and sugars. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the vanilla and egg. Scrape the bowl down before adding in the vanilla extract and the room temperature egg, beating well to combine.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients. Sift together the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until a slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Add the chocolate. Fold in the white chocolate chips and M&Ms with a rubber spatula.
  5. Portion out the cookies and decorate. Using a large spring-loaded scoop, drop 3-tablespoon sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Dot the balls of cookie dough with extra chips, M&Ms, and candy eyeballs.
  6. Bake. At 350°F for about 12 minutes, until puffy but still soft, being careful not to overbake.
    Allow to cool slightly on the baking tray. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Can I Change up the Mix-Ins?

Yes! You can absolutely switch out the white chocolate chips and Halloween-themed M&Ms for just about whatever you like! Just be sure to keep the total weight (or volume) the same as written in the recipe as well as using similarly sized mix-ins so the cookie dough balls stay together. Here are some Halloween cookie mix-in ideas:

  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • Well-chopped candy bars

Can I Make These into Halloween Cookie Bars?

Yes! These work beautifully as cookie bars. Here’s how:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a light-colored metal 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and use metal binder clips to secure in place. Make the recipe as instructed, then place the cookie dough in the prepared pan. Decorate the top with additional M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and candy eyeballs as desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the center still jiggles slightly. Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing into 16 bars.

How to Store Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies:

These are best enjoyed when fresh, but they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing. See right below for my top cookie storage tips!

How to Keep Cookies Soft:

To keep your baked cookies soft, you can add an apple wedge, piece of bread, or a tortilla on the top and bottom of the cookies to the container a day or two after baking them, or whenever you find the texture beginning to harden. The moisture from the bread or apple will migrate to your cookies, making them soft and chewy again. A tortilla is a favorite of mine because it takes up much less room than a slice of bread and doesn’t transfer any flavors or aromas like an apple wedge can.

Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough so you can just bake off what you need, then store the rest in the freezer until you next crave fresh chocolaty cookies! Read more below!

Can you Freeze Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies?

I love the taste of cookies straight from the oven the best (who doesn’t!?). I always keep pre-scooped balls of various types of cookie dough in a resealable bag in my freezer, so I can bake cookies off and have them warm from the oven in a matter of minutes whenever I want! Here are more tips for freezing cookie dough, and baking from frozen!

More Halloween recipes:

Check out ALL my Halloween recipes here!
4.93 from 200 votes

How to make
Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies

Yield: 11 to 13 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Fun, delicious, and easy to make, these Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies will be a hit with any crowd! You just need one bowl and about 30 minutes to enjoy these chocolaty cookies. Adored by kids and adults - you need to bring these to any Halloween parties this spooky season!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (127 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (43 grams) Dutch-process or Black cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup (218 grams) Halloween M&MS, plus more for garnish
  • Edible candy eyeballs, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl down before adding in the vanilla extract and egg, beating well to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until a slightly sticky dough forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips and M&Ms with a rubber spatula.

  4. Using a large spring-loaded scoop, drop 3-tablespoon sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Dot the balls of cookie dough with extra chips, M&Ms, and candy eyeballs. Bake for about 12 minutes, until puffy but still soft, being careful not to overbake. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

To Bake as Cookie Bars:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a light-colored metal 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and use metal binder clips to secure in place. Make the recipe as instructed, then place the cookie dough in the prepared pan. Decorate the top with additional M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and candy eyeballs as desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the center still jiggles slightly. Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing into 16 bars.
Course : Dessert
Cuisine : American
Keyword : halloween cookie recipe, halloween cookies

    Photos by Joanie Simon.

    Tessa Arias
    Author: Tessa Arias

    I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

    Tessa Arias

    About Tessa...

    I share trusted baking recipes your friends will LOVE alongside insights into the science of sweets. I'm a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and cookie queen. I love to write about all things sweet, carb-y, and homemade. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (hence the blog name!)

    Find Tessa on  

    Leave a Comment & Rating

    Add a Review or Question

    *Please select a rating to complete your comment.

    Recipe Rating




    1. #
      Christine — November 6, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      Thank you so much for this lovely recipe! My sister and I baked these the day before Halloween this year and it turned out absolutely delicious! I gave some to my coworkers and they commented on how cute it looked and how it tasted! I will be baking these again next year 🙂

    2. #
      Marsha Jo — November 2, 2023 at 10:03 am

      Made these for my husband for Halloween.They are a “keeper” he says. Made my grandkids giggle when I sent them a picture. I have had request already to make for Hallween next year.

      • #
        Martina — November 7, 2023 at 2:14 pm

        I am usually hesitant to make cookies because I have to use gluten free flour, but these ones came out sooo amazing that I ended making three batches.
        The only thing I subbed was the flour for Bob’s Red Mill blue bag.
        One thing to keep in mind for baking I only use the metric system. So if you are a baker with celiac and using the blue bag, keep in mind that I weighted my ingredients rather than using cups. I personally think this has better outcomes.

    3. #
      Shawn — October 31, 2023 at 11:51 pm

      Yummy, rich chocolatey goodness! The M&M’s & white chocolate chips just add to the fun & chocolate yummines of this cookie. Will definitely make again & again!

    4. #
      Greg — October 31, 2023 at 10:31 pm

      Fun cookies for Halloween!

    5. #
      Cindy Wall — October 31, 2023 at 9:09 pm

      So fast and yummy! These are quick to make and bake with no chill time needed. I used dark chocolate m&m’s and would definitely use these again. I love the salty note on this combo.

    6. #
      Susannah — October 31, 2023 at 7:47 pm

      Super cute!! VERY chocolatey. Wouldn’t change a thing!!

    7. #
      Melinda — October 31, 2023 at 4:40 pm

      These cookies are very easy to make. I used Hersheys Special Dark Cocoa. These rich and chewy Halloween cookies disappear very fast.

    8. #
      Donna Tamburi — October 31, 2023 at 3:55 pm

      Terrific. They disappeared in a flash.

    9. #
      Josh Lawrence — October 31, 2023 at 3:35 pm

      Delicious to eat, and deliciously fun to look at and share with everyone 🙂

    10. #
      Abigail — October 31, 2023 at 2:59 pm

      Yummy chocolate cookies filled with white chocolate chips and M&M’s. I wish I had had more M&M’s to decorate with before going in the oven, but what I had worked perfectly. Definitely one we will make again next Halloween.

    11. #
      Sam Wasson — October 31, 2023 at 2:17 pm

      Delicious! Not just a chocolate cookie! And I loved adding in Halloween Colors in fun ways! I used white chips, butterscotch chips, and pepitas! Worked great!

    12. #
      April — October 31, 2023 at 1:38 pm

      Super fun to make! They are way too sweet for me to eat more than one, but I guess that makes them great for sharing at Halloween!

    13. #
      Victoria — October 31, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      These are so decadent! I used to m&m peanut ghoul mix which made my cookies much bigger but they are so good! I sprinkled some sea salt flakes, I highly recommend it.

    14. #
      MacKenzie — October 31, 2023 at 10:36 am

      This recipe is such a hit! I made cookies first and then the second time around, I baked them into bars using melted butter instead of room temp. Great both ways!

    15. #
      Laurie Bettini — October 31, 2023 at 10:13 am

      Everyone should be excited for these Halloween cookies! Easy, delicious, and spooky! Oh and btw, you don’t need kids to enjoy these!

    16. #
      Sharon — October 31, 2023 at 9:35 am

      These cookies are really delicious, like brownie cookies. I loved them. This recipe is definitely a keeper because it would work with any number of add-in ingredients, not just M&Ms.

    17. #
      Ashi Agrawal — October 31, 2023 at 9:19 am

      Made them for a Halloween party last weekend, they were a huge hit!

    18. #
      Jasmyne — October 31, 2023 at 8:55 am

      These were super thick and delicious! loved the white chocolates and halloween themed m&ms.

    19. #
      Rose — October 31, 2023 at 8:22 am

      Brought these cookies to a neighborhood dinner and everyone loved them!!

    20. #
      Terrie — October 31, 2023 at 5:34 am

      These Double Chocolate Halloween Cookies were more treat than trick! So yummy! The cookie tasted like a delicious chocolatey brownie, and I love the texture and little crunch from the M & M’s! I made these for both my Halloween celebration and for the October baking challenge and I’ll definitely be making them again!

    21. #
      Carenn Santillan — October 30, 2023 at 10:20 pm

      These Halloween cookies were so fun and easy to make. I had made some for family and friends and they loved it! The white chocolate chips add a nice balance to the black cocoa powder. Would make these again!

    22. #
      Karen — October 30, 2023 at 7:57 pm

      Fun cookie to make as a Halloween treat

    23. #
      Lindsey — October 30, 2023 at 7:07 pm

      Delicious! I doubled the batch for a Halloween party and used the full bag of m&ms.

    24. #
      Salomon Vainstein — October 30, 2023 at 6:51 pm

      Easy to follow recipe. Cookies are super rich and chocolatey!

    25. #
      Vicki — October 30, 2023 at 6:49 pm

      Sooo darn good! I made these with peanut butter m&ms because we couldn’t find the ghoul m&m mix here in Canada. The peanut butter hits so well! Also reduced the salt to 3/4 tsp which was perfect. Thanks for another winning recipe Tessa!

    26. #
      Lauren — October 30, 2023 at 6:44 pm

      so much fun to make and came out sooo good

    27. #
      Tabitha C Stevenson — October 30, 2023 at 5:16 pm

      These are very yummy and easy to make, i also made a batch gluten free for my daughter and she loved them as well

    28. #
      Monica Prudencio — October 30, 2023 at 4:58 pm

      So easy and yummy! If I ever need a chocolate cookie base, I would definitely come to Tessa. And these are so cute! I did not have time to look for eyes but they are still pretty darn festive with M&Ms and white chocolate. I used dark chocolate M&Ms because I often find white chocolate too sweet, and the two definitely offset each other well. Would make again!

    29. #
      Belinda Bazan-Lara — October 30, 2023 at 4:09 pm

      These double chocolate Halloween cookies are devilish. The recipe is very easy to follow and within minutes the dough is ready for baking. They are for sure a treat on Halloween!!!!!!

    30. #
      Aurora — October 30, 2023 at 3:54 pm

      They are so cute and delicious. Making some for Halloween.

    31. #
      KathyD — October 30, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      Black cocoa in this recipe is such a great add. The deep dark black cocoa makes these a true Halloween cookie. They are easy to make and taste great!

    32. #
      Fay Richardson — October 30, 2023 at 11:56 am

      Easy to make and delicious. Can’t wait to share them with my coworkers tomorrow.

    33. #
      Neveen Radwan — October 30, 2023 at 11:08 am

      Ahhhhmazing recipe! Added mini marshmallows too! Yummm!

    34. #
      Dena — October 30, 2023 at 7:24 am

      Kids loved making them and eating them.

    35. #
      Epiphany — October 29, 2023 at 8:43 pm

      These were good, but not my favorite. I think they are probably delicious to most people and my kids really liked them. I thunk I would have liked them more without the m&ms.

    Join the Handle the Heat Community

    Cookie Customization Chart
    Do you want a more delicious life?
    Instead of digging through cookbooks and magazines and searching the internet for amazing recipes, subscribe to Handle the Heat to receive new recipe posts delivered straight to your email inbox. You’ll get all the latest recipes, videos, kitchen tips and tricks AND my *free* Cookie Customization Guide (because I am the Cookie Queen)!
    As Seen On....
    NPR People Time Glamour Readers Digest The Huffington Post BuzzFeed